Despite record apparel production, China is continuing its role as the world’s largest exporter of cotton fabric. April exports reached 557 million meters, which followed exports of 431 million in March. April exports actually represented a new all-time monthly export record, with the previous record being set in December 2006 when exports reached 522.728 million meters. The top export markets were Hong Kong, Benin, Bangladesh, South Korea, Japan, U.S., Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. Cumulative September 2006 through April 2007 cotton fabric exports reached 4.241 billion meters, reflecting 10.77 percent year-on-year growth.

In contrast, cotton fabric imports continued rather weak. April imports only totaled 134 million meters, which reflected a .07 percent year-on-year decline, while September 2006 through April 2007 cumulative cotton fabric exports totaled 1.002 billion meters, which reflected a 1.55 percent year-on-year reduction. The top import origins were Hong Kong, Pakistan, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.